Enhanced herbicides

ABSTRACT

The invention provides, improved herbicide compositions, methods of making the compositions and methods of controlling plant growth. The subject invention relates to combining fatty acid based and other herbicides with succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives and other additives such as those having essentially no herbicidal activity to increase the activity of the herbicide and provide methods of controlling plant growth by applying a combination of a herbicidal fatty acid with succinic acid and/or succinic acid derivative chemicals and/or other additives. In addition to the use of succinic acid, combining other Krebs cycle acids with herbicides can also provide beneficial effects. Concentrations of herbicides and additives applied to plants in accordance with the invention can include compositions involving 0.1 to 30% herbicide, preferably 0.5 to 15% herbicide and additive and more preferably 1-8% herbicide. The ratio of herbicide, such as fatty acid herbicide to activity enhancing additives can be from 1:10 to 20:1, preferably 1:1 to 20:1, most preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/692,763, filed on Oct. 19, 2000, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/427,476, filed Oct. 26, 1999, now U.S. Patent No. 6,218,336 dated Apr. 17, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to herbicides, methods of improving existing herbicides and controlling the growth of plant life and more particularly to methods and products involving succinate-based chemicals and other additives which can enhance the activity (effectiveness) of herbicidal compounds. As used herein, herbicidal refers to materials which destroy or inhibit plant growth, such as by desiccation or defoliation, for example, to act as a harvest aid or to control weed growth.

[0003] Glyphosate and paraquat are the number 1 and 2 non-selective herbicides used worldwide. Paraquat is extremely toxic and therefore unacceptable for many applications. Glyphosate can be slow acting, commonly requiring 1 to 2 weeks to achieve plant death and is therefore also unsuitable for many herbicide applications.

[0004] Other conventionally known herbicides include fatty acids, such as pelargonic acid, a nine carbon fatty acid, and caprylic acid, an eight carbon fatty acid. Scythe, sold by Mycogen/Dow and Liberty, made by AgrEvo are known commercially available herbicides. Pelargonic acid is the active ingredient in SCYTHE and glufosinate-ammonium is the active ingredient in LIBERTY. However, the activity of these products is such that the cost of products such as SCYTHE can be undesirably high and the amount of active ingredients needed in products such as paraquat could lead to undesirable effects.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved herbicides, methods for enhancing the activity of existing herbicides and methods of controlling plant growth in order to overcome inadequacies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, improved herbicide compositions, methods of making the compositions and methods of controlling plant growth are provided. The subject invention relates to combining fatty acid based and other herbicides with succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives and other additives such as those having essentially no herbicidal activity to increase the activity of the herbicide and provide methods of controlling plant growth by applying a combination of a herbicidal fatty acid with succinic acid and/or succinic acid derivative chemicals and/or other additives. In addition to the use of succinic acid, combining other Krebs cycle acids with herbicides can also provide beneficial effects. Concentrations of herbicides and additives applied to plants in accordance with the invention can include compositions involving about 0.1 to 30% herbicide and additive, preferably 0.5 to 15% herbicide and additive and more preferably 1-8% herbicide and additive. The ratio of herbicide, such as fatty acid herbicide to activity enhancing additive can be from about 1:10 to 20:1, preferably 1:1 to 20:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide improved herbicidal compositions.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide additives which can enhance the activity of herbicidal compositions.

[0009] Yet another object of the invention is to improve the safety of herbicides.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide improved methods of plant control.

[0011] The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the compositions possessing the characteristics, properties and the relation of constituents useful to effect such steps, which will be exemplified in the compositions hereinafter described, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The invention is directed to improved herbicidal compositions. Herbicides, such as those including fatty acids as the active ingredient can be formulated at low fatty acid concentration and have relatively low herbicidal activity or at higher fatty acid concentration and have enhanced activity. However, it has been found that certain additives, such as organic acids and their derivatives, which may have substantially no herbicidal activity can enhance the herbicidal activity of herbicidal fatty acids and other herbicides and provide herbicides with either enhanced activity or reduced fatty acid concentrations. Preferred additives include those organic acids which are part of the Krebs cycle and in particular, succinic acid as well as succinic acid derivatives. Thus, substantially safe non-herbicidal additives are combined with G.R.A.S. (generally recognized as safe by the FDA) herbicidal compounds such as fatty acids, and the result is a generally safe herbicide with enhanced activity.

[0013] The following examples demonstrate the synergistic relationship between additives (such as succinic acid) and fatty acid herbicides such as caprylic acid, pelargonic acid and others. Other synergistic relationships between organic acids (for example, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and lactic acid) with caprylic acid as the fatty acid were also exhibited. In general, with the exception of tartaric acid, there was a general lack of correspondence between the acidity of the organic acid and the degree of synergy of the organic acid with caprylic acid. It was determined that tartaric acid (e.g. L-tartaric acid) exhibited particularly high performance enhancement of caprylic acid across a wide variety of plant types.

[0014] A synergistic relationship between succinic acid and sodium salicylate was also demonstrated where the effect of succinic acid alone on the plants treated was negligible.

[0015] Accordingly, it has been determined that combining cerain organicacids and compounds having a significant herbicidal effect, such as pelargonic, caprylic, caproic, capric and oleic acid, and also such acids as acetic, butyric, valeric, hexanoic and heptanoic acid and compoundssuch as sodium salicylate, glyphosate (in Round Up) or glufosinate-ammonium with other organic acids and additives including those having substantially no herbicidal effect could enhance herbicidal activity and reduce costs, environmentally undesirable effects or be otherwise more convenient to use.

[0016] Effective additives include succinic acid and succinic acid derivatives such as dimethyl succinic acid, calcium succinate, magnesium succinate, diamnmonium succinate and ammonium succinate as well as certain other organic acids, such as tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid and plant oils such as limonene and pine oil, especially Unipine (a pine oil derivative available from Busche, Boake & Allen, Inc.), as well as other additives including ammonium sulfate, ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride and sodium salicylate.

[0017] In order to confirm that additives in accordance with the invention provided an enhanced herbicidal effect, a number of experiments were performed in which only fatty acids or other herbicides were applied to plants, the additives alone were applied and the fatty acids plus the additives were applied. The herbicides were applied in the “spray to drip” amount or at a calibrated 20-60 gallons/acre. “Spray to drip” is an uncalibrated application of fluid to foliage, where sufficient spray volume is used to sufficiently saturate the foliage surface until excess fluid begins to drip from the foliage. In general, about 5 to 200 gallons/acre, preferably 20-100 gallons/acre can be effective.

[0018] Fatty acids above 67 carbon atoms tend to be relatively insoluble in water. Caprylic and pelargonic acids are 8 and 9 carbon acids respectively and require a solvent, such as acetone or an emulsifier to help prevent separation between aqueous and lipid phases. Herbicides can be provided in concentrated form and then diluted at the point of use.

[0019] Aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described more clearly with reference to the following examples, which are intended to be interpreted as exemplary and not in a limiting sense.

EXAMPLE 1

[0020] Potato field trial: two varleties (Snowden and Russet Burbank) Comparison of Desiccate II with experimental formulations Average injury rating* & (% vine injury) (days after 1^(st) application) Snowden Russet Burbank Treatment: Day 5 Day 8 Day 15 Day 5 Day 8 Day 15 1 Desiccate II (2.175 quart/acre) 0 (0) 30 (10) 100 (100) 50 (40) 60 (70) 100 (96)  2 4% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 90 (70) 100 (94)  100 (100) 97 (90) 98 (95) 100 (100) 3 4% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic 90 (70) 96 (92) 100 (100) 95 (90) 98 (97) 100 (100) 4 4% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic + 90 (80) 100 (98)  100 (100) 95 (90) 96 (92) 100 (100) 1% sodium salicylate 5 4% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 25 (0)  40 (10) 95 (90) 70 (60) 98 (92) 100 (100) 6 6% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic 95 (75) 100 (90)  100 (100) 80 (70) 98 (94) 100 (100)

EXAMPLE 2

[0021] Potato field trial: 2 applications of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injury rating*, average per plot Treatment Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 5 1 5% pelargonic 4.07 4 4.13 4.43 2 5% pelargonic + 1% 4.23 4.23 4.47 4.57 di-ammonium succinate 3 5% caprylic/capric + 1% 3.87 3.9 4.03 4.4 di-ammonium succinate 4 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 1 1.5 1.67 3

EXAMPLE 3

[0022] Dry bean (navy) field trial: single application of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injurv rating*, average per plot % desiccation, day 14 Treatment Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 14 foliage vines pod 1 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 3.375 3.8 4.55 4.68 4.625 90 50 60 2 4% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.325 4.35 4.7 4.73 4.763 98 90 97 3 4% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.413 4.43 4.76 4.83 4.8 98 90 97 4 4% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 4.388 4.38 4.68 4.73 4.775 95 80 97

EXAMPLE 4

[0023] Bean (black) trial: single application of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation, day 19 Treatments Day 1 Day 3 Day 7 Day 9 Day 19 foliage vines pods 1 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 1.75 4.35 4.5 4.7 4.88 97 99 100 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.3 4.55 4.55 4.7 4.9 99 99 100 3 3% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.55 4.75 4.78 4.85 5 100 100 100 4 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 4.5 4.7 4.7 4.83 5 100 100 100

EXAMPLE 5

[0024] Synergistic interactions of succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate with herbicidal compounds, on navy dry beans Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation (Day 12) Treatment: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 12 foliage vines pods 1 3% caprylic 3.5 3.93 3.93 4 4.2 50 10 80 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.43 4.43 4.6 4.5 4.7 95 70 85 3 3% caprylic + 2% succinic acid 4.5 4.47 4.57 4.5 4.8 99 85 90 4 3% caprylic + 2.52% di-ammonium 4.47 4.43 4.67 4.6 4.8 99 90 99 succinate 5 3% sodium saticylate 3.8 4.13 4.57 4.5 4.7 92 70 90 6 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 3.93 4.27 4.63 4.6 4.8 95 85 92 7 3% sodium salicylate + 2% succinic acid 4.2 4.4 4.67 4.6 4.9 97 80 95 8 3% sodium salicylate + 2.52% di-ammonium 4.4 4.43 4.72 4.6 4.9 97 90 95 succinate 9 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

EXAMPLE 6

[0025] Synergistic interactions of succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate with other herbicidal compounds, on dry beans (black) Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation (Day 12) Treatment: Day 2 Day 12 foliage vines pods 1 3% caprylic 4 4.73 80 92 95 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.37 4.87 97 95-98 90 3 3% caprylic + 2% succinic acid 4.43 4.92 99 98 97 4 3% caprylic + 2.52% di-ammonium 4.37 4.9 99 95-97 85 succinate 5 3% sodium salicylate 4 4.78 95 90 90 6 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 4.23 4.87 99 98 92 7 3% sodium salicylate + 2% succinic acid 4.07 4.88 99 95 90 8 3% sodium salicylate + 2.52% di-ammonium 4.37 4.8 99 92 80 succinate 9 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 10 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 11 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 12 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 13 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 14 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0

EXAMPLE 7

[0026] Enhancement of caprylic acid/sodium salicylate as an herbicide, by succinic acid Relative Injury rating* (average, based on 2 ratings) Succinic All Treatment acid (%) potatoes plants 1 0.25% caprylic + 0.25% 0 3 8.5 sodium salicylate 2 0.25% caprylic + 0.25% 0.5 5 17 sodium salicylate 3 0.25% caprylic + 0.25% 1 6 17.6 sodium salicylate 4 0.25% caprylic + 0.25% 1.5 7.7 19.7 sodium salicylate 5 0.25% caprylic + 0.25% 2 6.8 18.9 sodium salicylate 6 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% 0 4.8 15.1 sodium salicylate 7 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% 0.5 5.3 17.7 sodium salicylate 8 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% 1 5.5 19.7 sodium salicylate 9 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% 1.5 7 21.3 sodium salicylate 10 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% 2 7.5 22.1 sodium salicylate

EXAMPLE 8

[0027] Effect of 1% succinic acid on herbicidal activity of Liberty and Scythe Total score for all injury Treatment ratings* 1 4% Scythe 66 2 2% Scythe 54.2 3 2% Scythe + 1% succinic 56.1 4 2% Scythe + 0.25% caprylic + 56.3 0.25% sodium salicylate 5 2% Scythe + 0.25% caprylic + 60.3 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 6 2% Scythe + 0.5% sodium salicylate 47.5 7 Liberty (4 oz/gal) 87.8 8 Liberty (2 oz/gal) 76.6 9 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 1% succinic 81 10 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 77 0.25% sodium salicylate 11 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 78.4 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 12 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.5% sodium salicylate 75.7 13 Liberty (1 oz/gal) 65.9 14 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 1% succinic 70.3 15 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 67.6 0.25% sodium salicylate 16 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 72.1 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 17 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.5% sodium salicylate 70.8

EXAMPLE 9

[0028] Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra's herbicidal activity on snapbeans and potatoes using 1% succinic acid Average injury rating* Treatment potatoes snapbeans 1 RoundUp Ultra, 1.25% 4.48 2.92 2 RoundUp Ultra, 1.25% + 1% succinic acid 4.67 4.78 3 RoundUp Ultra, 0.25% 3.35 2.82 4 RoundUp Ultra, 0.25% + 1% succinic acid 4.37 3.2

EXAMPLE 10

[0029] Succinic acid enhancement of herbicidal activities: sodium salicylate +/− caprylic acid Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 0.75% caprylic + 0.75% sodium salicylate 45.1 2.82 2 0.75% caprylic + 0.75% sodium salicylate + 60.3 3.77 1% succinic acid 3 1% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 50.1 3.13 4 1% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 61.1 3.82 1% succinic acid 5 1.5% sodium salicylate 56.2 3.51 6 1.5% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic acid 62.5 3.91

EXAMPLE 11

[0030] Enhancement of herbicide formulations with 1% succinic acid Average Injury Treatment rating 1 0.5% caprylic + 31.6 0.5% sodium salicylatc 2 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 41.4 0.5% sodium salicylate sulfate 3 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 0.5% ammonium 41.6 0.5% sodium salicylate sulfate chloride 4 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 39.2 0.5% sodium salicylate chloride 5 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 1% succinic 46.8 0.5% sodium salicylate sulfate acid 6 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 0.5% ammonium 1% succinic 44.6 0.5% sodium salicylate sulfate chloride acid 7 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% ammonium 1% succinic 43.6 0.5% sodium salicylate chloride acid 8 0.5% caprylic + 1% succinic 40 0.5% sodium salicylate acid

EXAMPLE 12

[0031] Succinic acid enhancement of herbicidal activities: sodium salicylate combined with hexanoic, acetic or caprylic/capric acid Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 2% hexanoic + 1% sodium salicylate 44.1 3.68 2 2% hexanoic + 1% sodium salicylate + 55.8 4.65 1% succinic 3 3% acetic + 1% sodium salicylate 47.1 3.93 4 3% acetic + 1% sodium salicylate + 54.4 4.53 1% succinic 5 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate 50 4.17 6 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate + 54.4 4.53 1% succinic 7 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate + 56.7 4.73 2% succinic

EXAMPLE 13

[0032] Succinic acid enhancement of oleic acid/sodium salicylate herbicidal activity Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 2% oleic acid 26.4 2.2 2 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium salicylate 37.9 3.16 3 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium salicylate + 49.2 4.1 1% succinic acid 4 2% oleic acid + 1% succinic acid 28.1 2.33

EXAMPLE 14

[0033] Succinic acid enhancement of oleic acid/sodium salicylate herbicidal activity Total Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Total per pot 1 2% oleic acid 23.5 22.3 45.8 1.91 2 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium 52.3 34.7 87 3.63 saticylate 3 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium 63.8 37.1 101 4.2 salicylate + 1% succinic acid

EXAMPLE 15

[0034] Cotton desiccation: comparison of Scythe with formulations containing caprylic/capric, sodium salicylate and succinic acid Average rating* Average rating Three evaluations for all 3 Treatment 1 2 3 evaluations 1 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Sylgard 309 4 3.5 3.6 3.7 2 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Hasten 3.8 4.1 4 3.97 3 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Hasten 4.2 4.5 4.4 4.4 4 2% Scythe (1.2% active ingredients) 2 2 2 2 5 4% Scythe (2.4% active ingredients) 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.27

EXAMPLE 16

[0035] Herbicide activity of caprylic acid/sodium salicylate +/− succinic acid Total injury Treatment rating* 1 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 97.7 2 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 97.9 3 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate + 1.5% succinic 97.9 4 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 1.5% succinic 99.9 5 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate 79.8 6 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 91.3

EXAMPLE 17

[0036] Herbicidal activity of caproic acid with other compounds: succinic acid and sodium salicylate Total Injury ratings* Spray Total Treatment 60 G/a to drip score 1 2% caproic 11.2 7.3 18.5 2 2% caproic + 1% succinic 13.8 7.6 21.4 3 2% caproic + 2% succinic 12.7 7.1 19.8 4 3% caproic 13.9 7 20.9 5 3% caproic + 1% succinic 14.1 7.9 22 6 3% caproic + 2% succinic 14.5 8.2 22.7 7 2% caproic + 1% sodium 13.5 8.7 22.2 salicylate 8 2% caproic + 1% sodium 16.7 9.2 25.9 salicylate + 1% succinic

EXAMPLE 18

[0037] Herbicidal activity of caprylic acid combined with other compounds (i.e., salts of succinate +/− sodium salicate) Total injury ratings* Spray Total Treatment 60 G/a to drip score 1 2% caprylic 61 8.2 69.2 2 2% caprylic + 1.5% diammonium 67.9 8.8 76.7 succinate 3 2% caprylic + 1.5% potassium 58 7.6 65.6 succinate 4 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium 63.7 7.8 71.5 salicylate 5 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium 70 8.6 78.6 salicytate + 1.5% diammonium succinate 6 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium 58.9 7.5 66.4 salicylate + 1.5% potassium succinate

EXAMPLE 19

[0038] Efficacy of caprylic with succinic or ammonium succinate, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluations Spray Average 60 to Total rating Treatment G/a drip Rating per pot 1 2% caprylic 73.6 49.8 123.4 4.11 2 2% caprylic + 76.1 54.5 130.6 4.35 1.5% ammonium succinate 3 2% caprylic + 76.4 57.7 134.1 4.47 3% ammonium succinate 4 2% caprylic + 80.6 52.4 133 4.43 1.5% succinic acid

EXAMPLE 20

[0039] Efficacy of caprylic with succinic or ammonium succinate, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluations Spray Average 60 to Total rating Treatment G/a drip Rating per pot 1 3% caprylic 142 36.6 178.4 4.05 2 3% caprylic + 145 37.5 182.2 4.14 0.5% ammonium succinate 3 3% caprylic + 145 39.8 185 4.2 1.5% ammonium succinate 4 3% caprylic + 151 44.6 195.9 4.45 1.5% succinic acid

EXAMPLE 21

[0040] Efficacy of 1.5% succinic acid with oleic, caprylic or pelargonic acid, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluation Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 3% oleic 24.2 9.4 33.6 1.2 2 3% oleic + 27.3 8.7 36 1.29 1.5% succinic 3 3% caprylic 88.1 35.4 123.5 4.41 4 3% caprylic + 91.5 37.5 129 4.61 1.5% succinic 5 3% pelargonic 85.3 37.6 122.9 4.39 6 3% pelargonic + 91.2 37.4 128.6 4.59 1.5% succinic

EXAMPLE 22

[0041] Efficacy of caprylic + sodium salicylate + succinic acid, as an herbicide in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluation Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 2% caprylic + 1.5% 58.5 62 120.5 3.08 succinic 2 2% caprylic + 1.5% 65 64.1 129.1 3.31 succinic + 1% sodium salicylate 3 3% caprylic + 1.5% 68.7 68.1 136.8 3.51 succinic 4 3% caprylic + 1.5% 72 71.1 143.1 3.67 succinic + 1% sodium salicylate 5 4% caprylic + 1.5% 71 66.6 137.6 3.53 succinic

EXAMPLE 23

[0042] Herbicidal activity: relationships between caprylic acid and succinic acid +/− ammonium sulfate Total Injury ratings, combined, for two separate evaluations* Spray Total Average Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating rating/pot 1 4% caprylic acid 60.7 56.1 116.8 4.49 2 4% caprylic acid + 0.5% 63.9 57 120.9 4.65 succinic acid 3 4% caprylic acid + 1% 61.6 55.6 117.2 4.51 succinic acid 4 4% caprylic acid + 2% 59.4 57.4 116.8 4.49 succinic acid 5 4% caprylic acid + 0.5% 60.4 56.6 117 4.5 succinic acid + ammonium sulfate 6 4% caprylic acid + 64 57.8 121.8 4.68 1% succinic acid + ammonium sulfate 7 4% caprylic acid + 62.1 57.4 119.5 4.6 2% succinic acid + ammonium sulfate

EXAMPLE 24

[0043] Herbicidal activity: comparison of fatty acids, when combined with succinic acid and sodium salicylate Total Injury ratings, combined, for two separate evaluations* pH, Spray Average spray 60 to rating/ Treatment solution G/a drip Total pot 1 3% butyric acid + 3.8 102.3 52.5 154.8 4.3 succinic/NaSal 2 3% valeric acid + 3.9 105 53.8 158.8 4.41 succinic/NaSal 3 3% caproic acid + 4.4 104.9 51.9 156.8 4.36 succinic/NaSal 4 3% heptanoic acid + 4.5 108.9 54.1 163 4.53 succinic/NaSal 5 3% caprylic acid + 4.5 112.4 55.5 167.9 4.67 succinic/NaSal 6 3% pelargonic acid + 4.5 111.9 56.6 168.5 4.68 succinic/NaSal 7 3% oleic acid + 4.5 105 53.2 158.2 4.39 succinic/NaSal 8 3% caprylic/capric + 4.6 114.3 57.3 171.6 4.77 succinic/NaSal

EXAMPLE 25

[0044] Synergistic relationships between 5% caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid: desiccation of cotton plants Average percent Average of foliage Rating desiccated Treatment 2 20 5% c/c 4 70 0.5% succinic and 5% c/c 4 60 1% succinic and 5% c/c 4 70 2% succinic and 5% c/c

EXAMPLE 26

[0045] Synergistic relationships between 5% caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid Average rating: degree of plant damage (1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation) 60 G/acre Spray to drip Treatment Ingredients 4.14 4.61 5% c/c 4.33 4.83 0.5% succinic and 5% c/c 4.43 4.82 1% succinic and 5% c/c 4.41 4.71 2% succinic and 5% c/c

EXAMPLE 27

[0046] Synergistic relationship between caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid, as harvest aids for potatoes and cotton Average rating: degree of plant damage (1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation) Average, 2 evaluations Cotton Potatoes Treatment Ingredients 3.75 4.1 8% c/c 4.35 4.25 0.5% succinic and 8% c/c 4.65 4.15 1% succinic and 8% c/c 4.65 4.35 2% succinic and 8% c/c

EXAMPLE 28

[0047] Herbicidal activities: synergy between succinic acid and pelargonic acid Total iniury ratings* Spray Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a to drip Total 1 4% pelargonic acid 41.6 45.6 66.2 153.4 2 4% pelargonic acid + 42.8 46.7 66.3 155.8 0.5% succinic acid 3 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0

EXAMPLE 29

[0048] Synergistic relationships with caprylic/capric acids (c/c) Average relative Injury rating* Average rating Treatment Ingredients 60 G/acre Spray to drip per pot Compound (1%) 4.5 4.57 4.52 3% c/c 4.49 4.59 4.54 urea 3% c/c 4.56 4.33 4.45 sorbic acid 3% c/c 4.46 4.33 4.4 di-sodium succinate 3% c/c 4.62 4.5 4.58 ammonium tartrate 3% c/c 4.53 4.52 4.53 methyl salicylate 3% c/c 4.56 4.47 4.52 potassium salicylate 3% c/c 4.6 4.61 4.61 succinic acid 3% c/c

EXAMPLE 30

[0049] Herbicidal activity on cotton foliage: synergistic relationships between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acid (c/c) combinations Total injury ratings, combined, for two separate evaluations* Average Treatment 60 G/a rating/pot 1 4% c/c 18.5 3.08 2 4% c/c + 0.5% 21.4 3.57 succinic acid 3 5% c/c 22.4 3.73 4 5% c/c + 0.5% 25.7 4.28 succinic acid 5 6% c/c 25.3 4.22

EXAMPLE 31

[0050] Herbicidal activities: synergistic relationships between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acid (c/c) combinations Total injury ratings, combined for two separate evaluation* Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 4% c/c 123.3 41.5 164.8 4.12 2 4% c/c + 0.5% 128.1 45.1 173.2 4.33 succinic acid 3 5% c/c 129.9 46.3 176.2 4.41 4 5% c/c + 0.5% 134.5 46.5 181 4.53 succinic acid 5 6% c/c 133.9 46.8 180.7 4.52

EXAMPLE 32

[0051] General screening of candidate compounds: to examine for synergistic relationships with caprylic/capric acids (c/c) Treatment Ingredients Average relative injury rating* Compound Spray Average (equimolar 40 60 to rating amounts) c/c G/acre G/acre drip per pot  3% c/c 4.21 4.43 4.44 4.35 succinic +3% c/c 4.35 4.47 4.54 4.44 acid (1%) ammonium +3% c/c 4.35 4.49 4.61 4.47 succinate (1.26%) ammonium +3% c/c 4.36 4.42 4.4 4.4 sulfate (1.12%) ammonium +3% c/c 4.35 4.5 4.59 4.47 tartrate (1.42%)

EXAMPLE 33

[0052] Herbicidal activity: storage stability of fatty acid/succinic acid-based formulations Formulations stored one week (average day and night time temperatures were 90 and 75 degrees, Fahrenheit, in the greenhouse) and re-tested, via spray to drip applications on same test plant varieties 4% caprylic, 4% caprylic/capric and 4% pelargonic (+/−0.5% succinic acid) were tested or a total of 6 formulations, each containing 1.125% Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) Average scores, for all 6 formulations (rating per pot, 2-20 plants/pot Before storage After storage Barnyard grass 4.73 4.8 Foxtail 4.68 4.68

EXAMPLE 34

[0053] Herbicidal combinations of caprylic/capric (c/c) or pelargonic acid, with equimolar amounts of succinic acid and ammonium succinate, on weed varieties Total Injury ratings* Spray Average 40 60 to rating/ Treatment G/a G/a drip Total pot 1 3% c/c 85.5 60.2 36.1 181.8 4.33 2 3% c/c + 88.1 62.5 36.7 187.3 4.46 1% succinic acid 3 3% c/c + 1.26% 88.8 60.8 37.4 187 4.45 ammonium succinate 4 3% pelargonic acid 87.7 60.8 37.3 185.8 4.42 5 3% pelargonic 865.9 62.2 38 187.1 4.45 acid + 1% succinic acid 6 3% pelargonic 87.6 61.2 36.9 185.7 4.42 acid + 1.26% ammonium succinate

EXAMPLE 35

[0054] Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra at 1 pint/acre (No Sylgard or any other surfactant used) Days after treatment: relative injury ratings* Average Day Day Day Day rating #6 #9 #11 #14 per pot 1 RU 10.5 17.1 15.9 17.5 1.91 2 RU + ams 18.3 17.6 18.4 21.6 2.37 3 RU + ams + 21 20.3 24.3 25.7 2.85 0.5% succinic acid 4 RU + ams + 19.4 18.6 24.2 27.3 2.8 1.5% succinic acid 5 RU + 0.5% 16.7 14.2 16 20.5 2.11 succinic acid 6 RU + 1.5% 16.8 16.1 18.6 23.6 2.35 succinic acid

EXAMPLE 36

[0055] Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra at 1 pint/acre Days after treatment: relative injury ratings* Average Day Day Day Day rating Treatment #6 #9 #11 #14 per pot 1 RU 29 30.2 31.5 29.8 3.35 2 RU + ams 30.8 32.9 34.7 32.5 3.64 3 RU + ams + 30.2 32.7 35.5 34.5 3.69 0.5% succinic acid 4 RU + ams + 34.6 35.7 37.8 37.4 4.04 1.5% succinic acid 5 RU + 0.5% 32.8 33.9 35.1 35.4 3.81 succinic acid 6 RU + 1.5% 32.5 31.2 32.6 32.5 3.58 succinic acid

EXAMPLE 37

[0056] Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra (RU) at 1 quart per acre Average Days after treatment: relative Injury ratings* rating Treatment Day #5 Day #8 Day #10 Day #13 Day 17 per pot 1 RU 32.7 29.9 28.6 29.5 31.4 3.8 2 RU + ams 33.3 33.6 30.7 34.5 36.6 4.22 3 RU + ams + 0.5% 34 34.5 32.4 35.3 36.7 4.32 succinic acid 4 RU + ams + 1.5% 35.3 35.6 32.5 35.3 38.4 4.43 succinic acid 5 RU + 0.5% succinic acid 33.8 30.9 30.3 31 33.1 3.98 6 RU + 1.5% succinic acid 33.7 30.2 31 33.6 34 4.06

EXAMPLE 38

[0057] Enhancement of herbicidal activity of RoundUp Ultra/ammonium sulfate testing selected amendments pH, spray Days after treatment: injury ratings* average Treatment solution day #4 day #7 day 11 day #13 average per test 1 RU/ams 4.51 32.3 44.1 50 50.8 44.3 4.03 2 RU/ams + succinic acid 1.77 39.3 46.3 50.7 51.4 46.9 4.26 3 RU + ams + 3.71 36.2 46.2 51.3 52.3 46.5 4.23 ammonium succinate 4 RU + ams ammonium 4.78 35.7 46 49.3 50.2 45.3 4.12 tartrate 5 RU/ams + tartaric acid 1.27 33.9 46.9 50.7 51.5 46.2 4.2 6 RU/ams + citric acid 1.38 34.6 46.7 50.7 51.4 45.7 4.15 7 RU/ams + L-malic acid 1.59 34.6 47.7 51.1 51.8 46.3 4.21 8 RU/ams + acetic acid 2.51 33.7 47.1 50.8 51.3 45.7 4.15

EXAMPLE 39

[0058] Enhancement of herbicidal activity of caprylic/capric acids (c/c), using selected compounds at equimolar amounts Days after treatment: Average relative injury ratings* rating Treatment Day #2 Day #4 Day #5 per pot 1 3% c/c 30 27.6 30.3 3.66 2 3% c/c + succinic acid (1%) 35.8 33.6 35.1 4.35 3 3% c/c + di-ammonium succinate (1.26%) 35.1 32.5 34.2 4.24 4 3% c/c + ammonium sulfate (1.12%) 35.5 33.6 34.4 4.3 5 3% c/c + ammonium tartrate (1.42%) 35.9 33.6 34.2 4.32 6 succinic acid (1%) 0 0 0 0 7 di-ammonium succinate (1.26%) 0 0 0 0 8 ammonium sulfate (1.12%) 0 0 0 0 9 ammonium tartrate (1.42%) 0 0 0 0

EXAMPLE 40

[0059] Desiccation of cotton foliage: Interaction of RoundUp Ultra and caprylic acid/capric acid (+/− succinic acid) Day after treatment: average rating* Total Treatment 1 2 5 7 10 12 Rating 1 RU + 2% AMS 0 0 6 6 7 7 26 2 RU + 2% AMS 4% C/C 18 16 15 15 15 16 95.9 3 RU + 2% AMS 4% C/C + 1% succinic acid 18 17 17 17 16 18 103.2 4 RU + 2% AMS 1% succinic acid 0 0 7.2 6.5 7.7 8.8 30.2 5 2% AMS 4% C/C + 1% succinic acid 18 17 18 17 18 17 105.4 6 2% AMS 4% C/C 18 17 18 18 18 17 104.8

EXAMPLE 41

[0060] Synergistic relationship between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acids C/C, relating to herbicidal activity Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average rating Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a Total per pot 1 4% caprylic/capric 87.3 80.7 168 4.42 2 4% caprylic/capric + 88.6 82.1 170.7 4.49 1% succinic 3 4% caprylic/capric + 89.9 82.7 172.6 4.54 0.5% succinic 4 4% caprylic/capric + 90.3 82.6 172.9 4.55 0.5% succinic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 5 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 6 0.5% sodium salicylate 1 0.5 1.5 0.04 7 5% caprylic/capric 92 82.8 174.8 4.6 8 5% caprylic/capric + 91.6 83.9 175.5 4.62 0.5% succinic acid

EXAMPLE 42

[0061] Herbicidal activity: comparison of caprylic, pelargonic and an equimolar mixture of caprylic and pelargonic acids Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average Treatments 40 60 rating (equimolar comparison) G/acre G/acre per pot 1 3% caprylic 40.8 51.6 4.16 2 3.375% pelargonic 43 53.6 4.41 3 1.5% caprylic + 43 53.6 4.41 1.69% pelargonic 4 4% caprylic 44.1 54.5 4.49 5 4.5% pelargonic 45.1 53.9 4.51 6 2% caprylic + 44.6 54.2 4.51 2.25% pelargonic

EXAMPLE 43

[0062] Herbicidal enhancement of pelargonic by succinic add and diammonium succinate Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average Spray rating Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a to drip per pot 1 2.5% Scythe active ingredients 78.7 103 53.6 4.36 2 2.5% pelargonic 79.2 102.2 53.8 4.36 3 2.5% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic 81.7 105.1 55.3 4.48 4 2.5% pelargonic + 2% succinic 80.2 105.5 55.1 4.46 5 2.5% pelargonic + 2% diammonium 80.9 105.4 54.4 4.46 succinate 6 2.22% caprylic/capric (C/C) 80.3 103.4 51.5 4.36

EXAMPLE 44

[0063] Synergistic Relationship between Succinic or Citric acid and Caprylic Acid, Testing Dry Beans Treatment effects 3 days after single, foliar application Green Foliage Yellow Foliage Overall Foliage Overall Foliage Treatment Effect Affected (%) Effect Affected (%) Na Salicylate (2%) 5 90 5 >90 Na Salicylate (0.5%) 2  5-10 1 30 Na Salicylate (0.5%) + 1  5-10 1 30 Citric Acid (0.5%) Na Salicylate (0.5%) + 1.5  5-10 1 >40 Succinic Acid (0.5%) Citric Acid (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.5  10-15  2 70 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 3.5 30 3 90 Citric Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 4 50 4 >90 Succinic Add (0.5%)

EXAMPLE 45

[0064] Greater Effect by Succinic Acid over Calcium Succinate, when used with Sodium Salicylate, Testing Several Plant Varieties* overall effect, 9 evaluations Treatments (averaee) Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Succinic Acid (1%) 2.89 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Calcium Succinate (1%) 1.44

EXAMPLE 46

[0065] Confirmation of Example 45, Testing Turf and Shrub Foliage Treatment effects 1, 2, 4 and 7 days after a single, foliar application. Overall effect, 17 evaluations Treatments (average) Sodium Salicylate (1%) 1.35 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + 2.59 Succinic Acid (2%) Sodium Salicylate (1%) + 2.18 Calcium Succinate (2%) Succinic Acid (2%) 0.24

EXAMPLE 47

[0066] Effects of desiccants and desiccant combinations with other compounds on young potato plants Injury ratings or treated plants Treatment (hours or days after application) All evaluations # Ingredients 1.5 hr 1 3 6 17 22 27 (total score) 1 1% caprylic 2 2 3 2 2.5 3 3 17.5 2 1% caprylic + 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal 3 5 5.5 5 5.5 5.5 4 29.5 3 1% caprylic + 1% tartaric 2 3 3.5 3 3.4 4 3 23 4 1% caprylic + 0.5% dimethyl succinic acid 2 3 3 3 3 3.5 3 21.5 5 1% caprylic + 0.5% beta-alanine 1 2 2 2 2.5 3 2.5 15 6 1% caprylic + 1% succinic 3 4 3 4 5 5.5 4.5 30 7 2% caprylic 3.5 5 5 5 5 5.5 5.5 34.5 8 2% caprylic + 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal 4.5 6 6 6 6 6 6 40.5 sodium salicylate 9 2% caprylic + 1% tartaric 3.5 5 5 5 5 5.5 5.5 34.5

EXAMPLE 48

[0067] Synergistic Relationships Between: Succinic Acid + Caprylic Acid Succinic Acid + Sodium Salicylate Treatment effects 3 days after a single, foliar application, testing soybeans Overall Foliage Treatment Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (1%) 2.5 25-30 Caprylic Acid (1%) + 3 30-35 Succinic Acid (1%) Succinic Acid (1%) 0 0 Sodium Salicylate (1%) 1.5 15-20 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + 3.5 40-50 Succinic Acid (1%)

EXAMPLE 49

[0068] Enhancement of Scythe's herbicidal activity by selected compounds Independent evaluations of snapbean and potato plants, hours/days after application of desiccants 1.5 hours 2 days 11 days 15 days Totals, all evaluations Treatment # Treatment Ingredients beans potatoes beans potatoes beans potatoes beans potatoes Beans Potatoes All 1 2% NaSalicylate 1 0 1 1 1.5 1 1 1 4.5 3 7.5 2 4% Scythe 3 3 3.5 2.5 2 2 1 2 9.5 9.5 19 3 4% Scythe + 2% NaSal 4 3 5 3.5 3 3 2 3 14 12.5 26.5 4 4% Scythe + 0.25% tartaric 4 3 4 3 2.5 2.5 3 2 13.5 10.5 24 5 4% Scythe + 0.5% tartaric 4 4 5.5 3 3 2 4 1.5 16.5 10.5 27 6 4% Scythe + 1% tartaric 4 3.5 6 3.5 3 3 3 2 16 12 28 7 4% Scythe + 1% NaSal 3 3 4.5 3 2.5 2.5 2 2 12 10 22 8 4% Scythe + 0.5% NaSal 3 3 4.5 2 1.5 1.5 1 1.5 10 8 18 9 4% Scythe + 1% caprylic 4 4.5 5 3.5 2 3.5 1 3.5 12 15 27 10 4% Scythe + 0.5% tartaric + 4 5 5.5 5 3.5 4 3 5 16 19 35 0.5% NaSal 11 4% Scythe + 1% citric acid 4 3 6 3 2.5 2 2 2 15.5 10 24.5

EXAMPLE 50

[0069] Synergistic Relationships Between Succinic Acid and Caprylic Acid at Different Application Rates, Testing Soybeans Treatment effects 2 days after a single, foliar application Two Independent Sites (average of 2 sites) Overall Foliage Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (0.2%) 0.5 1.25 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.25 9 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 4 22.3 Caprylic Acid (0.2%) + 1.5 6.5 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 3 15 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + 4.25 26 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Succinic Acid (1.0%) 0 0 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.75 15 L - Lactic Acid (1.0%) L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) 0.5 1.25

EXAMPLE 51

[0070] Synergy Comparisons of Various Organic Acids with Caprylic Acid, Testing Soybeans Treatment effects 3 days after a single, foliar application Two Independent Sites (average of 2 sites) Overall Foliage Treatments Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 1.5 5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.75 17.5 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2 11.5 L-Malic Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.25 12.5 Succinic Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.25 11.5 L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.75 17.5 CitricAcid (0.5%) L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 0 0 L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 CitricAcid (0.5%) 0 0

EXAMPLE 52

[0071] Synergistic Relationships Between Succinic Acid and Caprylic Acid (or Sodium Salicylate), Testing Turf Treatment effects 2 days after a single, foliar application Overall Treatments Effect Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 2 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 3 Succinic Acid (0.5) 0 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) 1.5 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2

EXAMPLE 53

[0072] Effects of Various Compounds on Caprylic Acid Testing Turf and Covergrass Treatment effects 1, 3, 6, 7 and 11 days after a single, foliar application at two, independent sites Overall_Effect 10 Evaluations Treatments (average) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 2.45 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.6 Caprylic Acid (1.0) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 3.8 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine (0.5%) 3.45 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate(0.5%) 3.1

EXAMPLE 54

[0073] Effects of Various Compounds on Caprylic Acid Testing Turf and Shrub Foliage Treatment effects 3, 4, 6 and 7 days after a single, foliar application Overall_Effect 29 Evaluations Treatments (average) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 1.05 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.19 Caprylic Acid (1.0) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 2.19 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine (0.5%) 2.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate(0.5%) 2.05 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.95 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 2.16 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.47

EXAMPLE 55

[0074] Measurement of pH Values for Test Desiccants pH Value Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 3.30 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.07 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.49 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.67 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.69 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.51 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.52 L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.69 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.94 L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.93 Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.64 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 3.55 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.77 Succinic Acid (1.0%) 1.85 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) 5.63 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2.9 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 3.93 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.69 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 2.17 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 2.07 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine 90 (0.5%) 4.06 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 4.29

EXAMPLE 56

[0075] Measurement of pH Values for Test Desiccants pH Value Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 4.48 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) 2.76 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) + 2.78 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 4.2 Succinic Acid (1.0%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.24 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.46 L-Tartaric Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.82 L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 3.24 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.32 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.02 L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 1.58 L-Tartaric Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 5.12 Unipine 90 Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.78 Adipic Acid (1.0%) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Gluconic Acid (0.5%) 2.49 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2.29 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Beta-Alanine (0.5%) 4.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 3.85 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.76 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.95 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.72 Beta-Alanine (0.5%) 6.65

EXAMPLE 57

[0076] Field trial comparisons of caprylic/capric and pelargonic acids on mixed weed varieties Average injury rating Treatment per plot* 1 3% caprylic/capric 3.95 2 3% caprylic/capric + 0.75% succinic acid 4.113 3 3% pelargonic 4.175 4 3% pelargonic + 0.75% succinic acid 4.213

EXAMPLE 58

[0077] Field trial comparisons of caprylic/capric and pelargonic acids on mixed weed varieties Average injury rating per plot* Canadian thistle: Treatment 1 3% caprylic/capric 2.58 2 3% caprylic/capric + 0.75% succinic acid 2.8 3 3% pelargonic 4.03 4 3% pelargonic + 0.75% succinic acid 4.35 Redwood pigweed: Treatment 1 4% caprylic/capric 3.1 2 6% caprylic/capric 4.55 3 6% pelargonic 4.35

EXAMPLE 59

[0078] Succinic Acids Potentiation of Sodium Salicylate, Testing Cotton Treatment effect 2 days after a single, foliar application Foliage Treatment Affected (%) Succinic Acid (1.0%) No effect Succlnlc Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) >70 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) <70

[0079] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above methods and in the compositions set forth, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0080] It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language might be said to fall therebetween.

[0081] Particularly, it is to be understood that in said claims, ingredients or components recited in the singular are intended to include compatible mixtures of said ingredients wherever the sense permits. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A herbicidal composition, comprising: a fatty acid of a type and in an effective amount to provide a herbicidal effect when applied to a plant and an additive, having substantially no herbicidal effect on the plant in the absence of the herbicide, but which increases the herbicidal effect of the composition on the plant beyond that of the composition without the additive.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid herbicide includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of pelargonic acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, acetic, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid and heptanoic acid.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid herbicide includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of pelargonic acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, capric acid and oleic acid.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid herbicide includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of acetic, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid and heptanoic acid.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid herbicide comprises caprylic acid and/or pelargonic acid.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the additive includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, pine oil derivatives, limonene ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and sodium salicylate.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the additive includes member selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, dimethyl succinic acid, calcium succinate, magnesium succinate, diamnmonium succinate and ammonium succinate.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the additive includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid and pine oil derivative, limonene and derivatives thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the additive includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the herbicide and additive comprise 0.1 to 30% of the composition.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of herbicide to additive is 1:10 to 20:1.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the herbicide and additive comprise about 0.5 to 15% of the composition in a ratio of about 1:1 to 20:1.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises succinic acid and the herbicide comprises pelargonic acid and/or caprylic acid.
 14. A method of enhancing the herbicidal activity of an organic herbicide, comprising adding to the herbicide an effective amount of an additive having substantially no herbicidal activity and thereby increasing the herbicidal activity of the herbicide.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the additive includes a member selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, limonene, pine oil derivatives, succinic acid derivatives, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the additive includes succinic acid.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein thee ratio of herbicide to additive is about 1:1 to 5:1.
 18. A method of controlling plant growth, comprising: applying to plants a herbicidal effective amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a fatty acid of a type to provide a herbicidal effect when applied to a plant and an additive, having substantially no herbicidal effect on the plant in the absence of the herbicide, but which increases the herbicidal effect of the composition on the plant beyond that of the composition without the additive.
 19. The method claim 18, wherein the fatly acid herbicide includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of pelargonic acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, acetic, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid and heptanoic acid and the additive includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, pine oil derivatives, limonene, ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and sodium salicylate.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the herbicide comprises pelargonic and/or caprylic acid and the additive comprises succinic acid.
 21. A herbicidal composition, comprising sodium salicylate and an additive selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, pine oil derivatives, limonene, ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and combinations thereof.
 22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the additive comprises succinic acid.
 23. A herbicidal composition, comprising glufosinate ammonium or glyphosate and an additive selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, pine oil derivatives, limonene, amnmonium tartrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and combinations thereof.
 24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the additive comprises succinic acid. 